Membership in IAABO 173 has many benefits. These include:

• Ongoing education of rule and mechanic changes from the National Federation
• Education and information about game management
• Information and materials from IAABO

Members are matched with the appropriate officiating opportunities in the greater St. Louis area. Additionally, members have the opportunity to advance and learn.

Pictured L to R: Tom Lopes, Executive Director IAABO International; Bruce Hook, Secretary SLOA; Dan Fitzgerald, President, SLOA; Greg Ransom, Secretary IAABO 173; George McAuliffe, President IAABO 173; Dominic Blesener, Board Chairman IAABO 173

SLOA and IAABO Come Together for Joint Membership Meeting

The St. Louis Official’s Association (SLOA) and IAABO Board 173, two of St. Louis’ premier official’s organizations, held a historic first joint meeting of their members at DeSmet HS on November 9, 2011. Many St. Louis area officials are members of both organizations.

Dan Fitzgerald, SLOA president, welcomed the large crowd, routine announcements and rule changes preparing for the upcoming season were made prior to the Main Event.

Mr. Tom Lopes, Executive Director of IAABO International, flew to St. Louis from his Maryland home, to keynote the historic event. Tom is one of the most distinguished and honored officials of his generation, working a national collegiate schedule in the SEC, Big East and ACC, along with East Coast conferences such as the MAAC, America East, Atlantic-10, Patriot League and Ivy League. He was selected to work 26 Postseason NITs, eight Postseason NIT championship games, 20 consecutive NCAA Tournaments and received three Final Four assignments, including the final game of his career in 2007. Tom was honored as the Naismith College Official of the Year in 1997.

Tom’s presentation covered a range of officiating issues including game awareness and management, and what it takes to be a successful official. We were honored to have him address both groups at this first joint meeting, which was a great success.